Cornelis Leads Sustainable Peatland Initiative in West Kalimantan

Cornelis stressed that peatlands are more than just wet, vulnerable terrain. “Peat is a blessing, not a barrier. We must manage it with science and policies that prioritize sustainability,” he said. Photo credit: Cornelis.

Landak, West Kalimantan — In the village of Pak Mayam, Ngabang District, peatlands long viewed as fragile wetlands are being transformed into a living laboratory for sustainable management. 

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Dr. (H.C.) Cornelis, M.H., a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives from West Kalimantan’s first electoral district, led a peatland governance initiative with local villagers, in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).

Empowering Communities

Addressing the community, Cornelis stressed that peatlands are more than just wet, vulnerable terrain. “Peat is a blessing, not a barrier. We must manage it with science and policies that prioritize sustainability,” he said, highlighting the need to balance conservation with local economic welfare. According to Cornelis, well-managed peatlands not only prevent devastating wildfires but also create opportunities for eco-friendly livelihoods, including sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism.

The program aims to empower local communities, making them active stewards of the peat ecosystem. “Collaboration between the national government, local authorities, and civil society is key,” he said, emphasizing that effective governance hinges on grassroots engagement in implementing national peatland protection regulations. 

During the educational session, KLHK officials outlined strategic steps for wetland management: ongoing monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and community empowerment. Peatlands, which store vast amounts of carbon, also serve as critical natural climate regulators across Borneo.

Policy Meets Practice: Turning National Peatland Laws into Tangible Action

At the regulatory level, Indonesia has established a comprehensive legal framework. Government Regulation No. 71 of 2014, later updated to No. 57 of 2016, guides systematic peatland management from planning to enforcement. Presidential Regulation No. 120 of 2021, through the Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency, accelerates recovery in areas damaged by the massive 2015 fires. Presidential Instruction No. 5 of 2019 prohibits new concessions in primary forests and peatlands, underscoring the government’s commitment to halting deforestation.

Cornelis stressed that strong regulations must translate into tangible action on the ground. “The laws are clear; the challenge is bringing them to life in practice. When communities are involved, results become real,” he said. Villagers in Pak Mayam welcomed the initiative, hoping that peatland management would not only focus on conservation but also generate fair and sustainable economic opportunities, including eco-tourism development that could serve as a model for other regions in West Kalimantan.

With this initiative, Landak signals a new direction: peatlands are no longer just fragile, fire-prone landscapes. They are ecological and economic assets, productive lands, and eco-tourism destinations that harmonize human activity with nature.

by Rangkaya Bada